San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Q&A: Glenn Umont

San Ramon Patch has asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. See other elections coverage here.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

To provide the local taxpayers representation on a firefighters union-controlled board.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Start with the pension issue.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am independent from the firefighters union.

How would you address the cost of the district's pension system?

It needs to be revised in major fashion.

What are the other major issues facing the district?

The union control and influence; the extravagant spending.

What's your favorite thing about this district?

Rescue operations.

How long have you lived in the district?

Off and on since 1963.

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Retired engineer.

Age and birthplace?

Sixty-three, New Jersey.

What are the names and ages of your children, if any?

Alex, 22; Nina, 20.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.

UC Santa Barbara, bachelor of science, mechanical engineering; UC Davis, PhD,
mechanical engineering.

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

No.

Have you run before for an elected public office?

This office in previous years.

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal?

The $2,000 for the ballot statement.